Government agents have seized a shipment of the illegal drug ecstasy smuggled from the Netherlands.
The controlled delivery operation conducted by the agents of the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Paranaque City also resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s claimant.
Based on import documents, the shipment, which arrived late last month from Hoofddorp, was declared as “beads in a bottle”. Misdeclaration is a case of technical smuggling.
Customs examiners placed the shipment under physical examination and discovered three plastic jars containing 505 pink and gray tablets.
After confirming that the tablets were ecstasy, a prohibited substance with an estimated market value of P858,500, the bureau with the help of PDEA on Tuesday conducted the controlled delivery operation in Paranaque City resulting in the arrest of the person who received the shipment.
Authorities said ecstasy is a Class-A drug, which is an artificial stimulant, popular among night club goers. They added those who take the drug can have a rush of energy which makes them alert, excited and happy.
Meanwhile, port officials did not identify the shipment’s owner. They, however, said charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Drugs Act) as well as RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) will be filed against the claimant.
District Collector Alexandra Lumontad issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment.
Early last month, the Port of Clark intercepted a shipment of ketamine worth more than P2.6 million, also smuggled from the Netherlands. The shipment contained 535.6 grams of the illegal drugs hidden under polycarbonate sheets.